Bruxism
Bruxism Bruxism is the medical name for teeth grinding or clenching. Some people who suffer from bruxism are not even aware of the exact problem. You might have dental problems, an aching jaw, or even a cracked tooth and not realize that the problem is that you have been grinding your teeth.
While some teeth grinding and clenching is caused by stress or anxiety, most teeth grinding occurs at night. If left untreated, the results can be quite problematic including:
Headaches, Jaw pain, Loose teeth, Fractured teeth, Worn teeth, Hearing loss, TMJ/TMD
Treating bruxism is usually approached from a few different angles. If your bruxism is stress related, it might be helpful for you to visit a counselor and work on stress-reduction strategies to help you relax. Sometimes, muscle relaxants can help the situation.
Many people with bruxism use a night guard while they are sleeping. This is a custom-fitted appliance that will help protect your teeth from the grinding. At Fleischmann Family Dentistry, we can help set you up with a mouth guard and teach you additional tactics that can help you cope with your bruxism such as: Cutting back on caffeine, Avoiding alcohol, Avoiding chewing on things that are not food, Jaw relaxation techniques